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Deliciousness Is Served!

Tuesday, February 14, 2023


The Annual Around the World in 80 Trays was a statewide success!

Around the World in 80 Trays is a statewide event with the purpose of increasing global flavors in USDA School Meals Programs. With this program, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's nutrition team encourages school nutrition teams to explore food in a unique way with students. Food can do more than just nourish the body -- it can offer an invitation to explore the diverse cultures of Wisconsin students.

This week-long culinary adventure was held Jan. 16-20, 2023, and to celebrate, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jill Underly visited Gilmore Fine Arts Academy in Racine on Jan. 18 to serve lunch to some very excited students. The menu included: 

  • Meatball Pomodoro Bowl with Parmesan Crisp 
  • Peruvian Chicken Bowl (Gluten Free) 
  • Moroccan Harissa Wrap (vegetarian or with chicken) 

Recipes for these dishes and more will be available on the Around the World in 80 Trays website in the coming months, as well as easy how-to guides for your school district to participate next year. Tell us: Did your district participate this year? If so, tell us what was a hit! We'd love details and photos to share in an upcoming ConnectEd piece. Just email us!

Dr. Jill Underly, State Superintendent for Public Instruction, serves meals in the lunch line at Glendale School of the Arts in Racine, WI
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jill Underly helps serve lunch at Gilmore Fine Arts Academy in Racine.
School lunch counter with cooked ingredients for Peruvian chicken and beans dish.
Peruvian chicken bowl ingredients ready to be portioned and plated.
Plated dishes ready for students to choose
Students loved having tasty choices.
Two school food service workers pose in front of the lunch line.
Smiles from the school lunch staff.
State Superintendent Dr. Underly speaks with a parent.
State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly speaks with a parent in the busy lunchroom.
Two children smiling, ready to enjoy their lunch.
New tastes brought smiles to students' faces!
State Superintendent Dr. Underly sits with students at their lunch table
"She can sit with us!" State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly enjoys lunch with students.
 
Cheryl Herman, Food Service Coordinator, Racine Unified School District, and Richard Denk, Aramark Executive Chef.
Cheryl Herman, Food Service Coordinator, Racine Unified School District, and Richard Denk, Aramark Executive Chef talk to students about the dishes.
Large cafeteria with contented looking children listening to the presentation about Around the World in 80 Trays.
Fed kids are happy and ready for an afternoon of learning!